What are home loan break fees?

broker discusses what a home loan break fees is

Life can change quickly and sometimes that means ending your home loan earlier than planned. Whether you're selling, refinancing, or consolidating your repayments, it’s important to understand the potential costs involved.

At Pepper Money, we’re here to help you make informed decisions. That includes knowing what break fees are, when they apply, and what they might mean for your finances.

What are home loan break fees?

Break fees are charges that may apply if you end a fixed rate home loan before the agreed term finishes. These fees can vary significantly depending on your lender and the current interest rate environment.

If interest rates have dropped since you locked in your fixed rate, your lender may charge a fee to recover the difference.

When do break fees apply?

Break fees typically apply when:

  • You refinance your loan before the fixed rate period ends.
  • You repay your loan in full early.
  • You sell your property and discharge the loan.

 

Because the calculation can be complex, it’s a good idea to ask your lender for a quote before making any decisions.

Types of fees to look out for

Here are some common terms and fees you might encounter:

Early exit fees

Early exit fees

Also known as early termination or deferred administration fees (DAF), these may apply if you pay out your loan within a set timeframe.

Pepper Money doesn’t charge early exit fees, but other fees may still apply - so if you’re unsure it’s best to speak with a Lending Specialist.

Discharge fees

Discharge fees

This is the fee for ending your loan agreement. At Pepper Money, we include this amount upfront in your loan contract, so there are no surprises. You may also need to cover legal or documentation costs.
Refinancing fees

Refinancing fees

If you’re switching lenders, you might face fees for setting up the new loan and closing out the old one. These could include discharge fees or break fees for fixed rate loans.

We're here to help

Understanding break fees is just one part of managing your home loan. You can find more information at MoneySmart or speak directly with a Pepper Money Lending Specialist on 137 377.
Dianne Wassouf - Pepper Money Head of Customer Solutions

Contributor | Dianne Wassouf, Head of Customer Solutions

Dianne joined Pepper in 2012 and is now responsible for all Customer Service and Resolutions post settlement teams across Australia and Manila. Her expertise focuses on customer solutions and assistance and has equipped her with a deep understanding of client relations and service excellence.
Read more.

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